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The following are the responses of Tara Cook-Littman, the Democratic candidate for the State House of Representatives seat for District 134 (Fairfield and Trumbull). She is facing Republican candidate Laura Devlin.
Name: Tara Cook-Littman
Age: 39
Occupation: Attorney/Food Policy Advocate
Affiliations: Chair, PTA Council, Fuel for Learning Partnership; Board Member, Operation Hope; Board Member, Women's Auxiliary, Jewish Home for the Elderly; Founder, GMO Free CT; Founder, Citizens for GMO Labeling;
Past offices: none
Current race: 134th State Representative District
If elected, what would you do to improve roads and trains in Fairfield County?
Metro-North’s struggles are well documented. Our highways were recently rated as among the worst in the nation. Transportation is critical to the economic well being of both families and businesses in Fairfield County and we must get our house in order.
We need public transportation that is safe, reliable and affordable. Highway congestion and deferred maintenance create safety, pollution and commuter issues.
My priorities:
• We need a long-term investment plan for both public transportation and for our roads and highways.
• We need to ensure that the state Transportation Fund is not raided for non-transportation expenses.
If elected, what is your position on state spending and the state budget?
It is critical that we work hard to reduce the tax burden for individuals, families and small businesses. A nonpartisan panel just started meeting in Hartford to modernize the tax code. They will focus on simplicity, fairness, economic competitiveness and affordability. I intend to follow that process closely to ensure that it means real tax relief for everyday people. I will work to ensure that the committee’s recommendations get an up or down vote in the CT General Assembly and not get derailed by politics.
A priority of mine is the reform of our property tax system. The current model hurts most homeowners and small businesses, pits seniors against parents of young children and community against community. We need to cut overall state spending so the state can meet its commitment to funding local education (especially special education). This will allow for reductions in local property taxes and more local control of spending.
What is another top issue or priority in your town or district that you would address in office?
We need to get Connecticut working again. Far too many people are still unemployed and too many small businesses face an uncertain future.
I will invest in job growth right here in our region through the following:
• Investing in Connecticut's transportation system to make sure it is safe, reliable and affordable.
• Reducing unnecessary burdens on small businesses and entrepreneurs by shortening permitting time and improving the responsiveness of DOT and DEEP.
• Ensuring that any state incentives are transparent and produce real CT jobs. We must continue to support the growth of small and medium size businesses that create long lasting jobs here.
• Supporting local agriculture and give local farmers more opportunities to bring their goods to market;
• Promoting smart development that grows our tax base, but preserves the character of our community;
• Working with our high schools, colleges and universities to ensure that graduates are prepared for opportunities in Connecticut in growing sectors such as precision manufacturing and technology.
Why should people vote for you?
Too often, our elected officials are not driven by what is best for our community but rather are guided by the needs of special interests or political agendas. I learned that first hand at the State Capitol the last several years working to pass a food labeling bill. My experience as an advocate and a prosecutor combined with my commitment to this community is a combination that I believe will make me both an effective legislator and a compelling voice for the people of Fairfield and Trumbull. I have proven that I know how to fight and win.
As a mother of three young children, I believe we have an obligation to leave the world a better place for our children and those future generations that we will never know. I'm going to Hartford to ensure that our voice is heard. If I'm fortunate enough to win in November, you have my word that I will represent the interests of the people of this District above all else.
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